Sir Alex Ferguson Retirement Announced

The most prolific manager in the Premier League, Sir Alex Ferguson, has finally announced his retirement. After managing at Manchester United for 27 years the 71 year old Scottish manager is set to retire at the end of this season.

Rumors that he was set to retire began late last night and the announcement came this morning. This will begin the search for his replacement at Manchester United as well as all of the rumors surrounding who it will be that is brought in. Leading that list is certainly Jose Mourinho as well as David Moyes.

While I’m sure there are plenty out there that are glad to see him leave, he will certainly be missed by many throughout the sport. Sir Alex will remain at United as an ambassador for the club as well as director of football. His dedication to the club has been unquestionable. The trophies that he has won during his time at Manchester United have re-transformed the club and returned them to the glory years that they had previously enjoyed under Sir Matt Busby.

Sir Alex will manage two more matches for Manchester United with his final home match at Old Trafford coming this Sunday against Swansea City. His final match will be his 1500th in charge at the club and will be away to West Brom.

Here is his full statement announcing his retirement:

“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time. It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so. The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long- term future of the club remains a bright one.

“Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world. Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both director and ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future. I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential. My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.

“As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich. In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.

“Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy Chief Executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.

“To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United.”